AI replace jobs is a growing concern in today’s fast-moving tech landscape. As artificial intelligence advances, many people fear that automation could eliminate traditional jobs. These concerns are especially strong in fields like software development and manufacturing. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu recently addressed this fear and offered a different vision of the future.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu imagined a world where AI systems fully manage software development. In this scenario, human programmers would become unnecessary. He explained that we are still far from that reality. But even if machines take over coding, he believes human beings will still matter. The real challenge, he said, lies not in the loss of work but in the distribution of wealth created by automation.
According to Vembu, society should shift its focus from capability to political economy. As machines take on more roles, we must decide how to distribute the gains fairly. He outlined two possible paths that could help create a more balanced future. These ideas could change how we view work, value, and purpose.
One scenario involves a world of zero-cost goods. In this case, robots and AI would make products so cheaply that they become almost free. Goods and services could be as accessible as the air we breathe. People wouldn’t need high incomes to meet their basic needs. But this vision depends on governments stepping in to regulate large tech monopolies. Without strong oversight, corporations might keep the savings for themselves.
The second idea focuses on human-centric jobs. These include roles like childcare, nursing, or environmental work. Such jobs require empathy, care, and human presence. As machine-made goods become cheaper, these uniquely human tasks could gain more economic value. Vembu believes society should reward these roles more and give them greater purchasing power.
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He warned that none of this will happen automatically. Governments must break up monopolies and ensure fair access to AI-driven resources. Otherwise, the benefits will remain in the hands of a few, while most people get left behind. He stressed that public policy must evolve to protect fairness in an AI-powered world.
Vembu’s ideas sparked strong reactions online. Some users welcomed his optimism and saw hope in AI’s potential to free people from routine work. Others voiced concern. They feared job loss, skill decline, and corporate control over technology. One user noted that AI systems still need engineers for power, repairs, and infrastructure. Another suggested creating an “AI ombudsman” to keep technology development ethical and transparent.
This isn’t the first time Vembu has questioned tech norms. In earlier comments, he criticized the ongoing use of old programming languages like C, JavaScript, and SQL. He argued that these tools add unnecessary complexity to software development. To build simple interfaces, developers now rely on multiple outdated languages.
Vembu suggested that AI could force a shift away from legacy code. This shift could make computing simpler and smarter. Instead of making engineers obsolete, AI might push them to innovate. They could stop maintaining old systems and start designing entirely new frameworks. In this way, AI would not replace engineers but help them create a better digital future.
As AI replace jobs and reshape industries, society faces big choices. Will we let a few tech giants control everything? Or will we build systems that serve everyone? Vembu’s insights show that people still have a central role to play. By focusing on fairness, purpose, and innovation, humanity can thrive in an automated future.
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